The latest headlines across local media read, "Dengue reaches epidemic level in 10 districts" and "Dengue: Public Health Officers’ leave cancelled". I don't know whether you've noticed the hike in these sorts of headlines over the past year, but there seems to be a lot of fear mongering with regards to the Sri Lankan dengue situation. Undoubtedly, this is an area of great concern for all inhabitants and visitors of the island and not something to be taken lightly. And one should always err on the side of caution in dealing with mosquitoes as well as being proactive in the prevention of mosquitoes breeding around your home.

As an expat blogger I quite often receive questions about mosquitoes and
dengue. These originate from travelers as well as people wanting to
relocate their young families to Sri Lanka. Apart from responding with
my own personal experience regarding living with mosquitoes in the
tropics, I also point them in the direction of this National Dengue Control Unit website and the website for the Sri Lankan Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health.

Interestingly, when you do some research into the facts (i.e. recorded dengue statistics) Sri Lanka is actually doing better in terms of the dengue fatality rate than in some of its worst years. The fatality rate takes into account the total number of dengue cases and the number of deaths caused by dengue. Over the past seven consecutive years, Sri Lanka has achieved a continuing downward trend in the dengue fatality rate despite the high numbers of dengue cases.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

This is the round up for the second part of November 2016. Can you believe we're in December already? One more month in 2016 and in the blink of an eye we'll be kicking off 2017. So what are the things you have to tick off before the year is done? Will you be in Sri Lanka over the festive season or joining family and friends overseas? I mix it up a little - some years I've stayed in Sri Lanka while others have been back with family and friends. Although I don't make a big deal about Christmas, I always associate it with cold weather and hot puddings.

If you're celebrating the festive season in Sri Lanka be sure to get out of the cities and enjoy nature. It's a beautiful time of the year, the weather is mild and there are so many places to relax or experience new things. If you're staying in the city, then there's plenty happening ing around Colombo that will keep you entertained or at least, well fed.

I'll be traveling, seeking out adventuresand exploring my creative side over the festive season. I need a little time-out to clear the cobwebs, reflect on the year that has just passed and set some goals for 2017. Do you do the same?